It is 7,500 miles from here to Ethiopia. In this land once ruled by kings I search for two special children with eyes like mine. Join me as I take this long walk down the path of international adoption. There are sure to be twist and turns, some hills and some valleys, some laughter and some tears before I reach the destination.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Key Factors for Successful Adoption

I read the article below on the A Child's Waiting website and thought I would share it.

Successful Adoption Indicators

There are several factors that can predict the possibility of a successful adoption as well as the possibility of an adoption disruption. Having a good understanding of your family and the dynamics that it presents can help circumvent any possible problems before and after a child comes home.

Adoptive families that are working towards or currently possess the following characteristics are more likely to have a successful adoption experience.

Families with emotional support from their family and friends

Families who did not care what the “Jones” think

Membership in an adoption support group (families share common problems which normalizes their own family transitional problems)

Family engages in family leisure activities as a whole throughout the week

Involvement in a religious practice

Lower to middle income, high school or two or less years of college education

Children who have been able to maintain past relationships in their new placements

Adoptive Families who remain active within their adoption agency

Children who have been able to have closure with past caregivers

Families with some child care or parenting experiences

Families who continue to education themselves about adoption issues as well as any special needs of the child

Families with a strong marriage or partnership

Patience

Families that are more empathic towards a child and the past issues that they have had to face rather than blaming them for the family problems

Adoptive families who put the needs of the child before their own-ALWAYS

Easy access to post-adoption services

Resolved infertility issues

Women who do not need to feel “appreciated” everyday and do not take child rejection or behavioral concerns personally

2 comments:

This is interesting, as we fit the "lower-to-middle income" group. I didn't know that was considered a positive factor! I like that! We have had a great experience with Zufan so far. She is just a little doll and has bonded so well.

I also like that map you found. I need to print in out and then have someone put a dot for me on it where Chuko is, although I think I'm pretty close with that. Thanks!

Oh, yeah, and I voted. I voted for felt a "calling to adopt." That is the closest to summing it up, I guess. Some things, you just have to do, whether the rest of the world supports you or not.

I'll be checking back on your site and watching for a referral for you. 2 kids, huh? What a 24 hour party you're going to have! :)